Homeowners insurance typically covers the most valuable assets you have — your home. Most policies cover your home and belongings if they are damaged by fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 346,800 residential fires each year, so it’s important that you have insurance to help protect you and your house in case such an unfortunate event, like a fire, should happen. Electrical issues and candle mishaps within the home, for example, can cause fires. Homeowners’ insurance may be the most valuable asset you have, so make sure you know how much coverage it can provide.
How Much Homeowners’ Insurance Coverage Is Needed for Fires?
The exact amount of coverage you need depends on your individual situation. A general rule of thumb for home fires is to have enough coverage to rebuild the home because of the cost of time and money to rebuild. You should ensure it covers the amount of the mortgage plus any temporary living expenses if you are forced to move out of your home during the rebuilding process.
How to Find a Homeowners Insurance Policy for Fires
It may be difficult to compare homeowners insurance based on the price or the amount of coverage you get. If you haven’t found a policy that seems like a good fit for your needs, consider shopping online for one. Also, speaking to an insurance specialist will make it easier to get an at-a-glance view of all of your options.
Fire Damage that Homeowners Insurance May Not Cover
Although your homeowners’ policy covers fire, it may not cover all the damage that occurs. Here are a few examples of what may not be covered by homeowners insurance.
1 – If the Fire Was Caused By Arson
Arson is a crime, and the insurance company may not pay for the damages if arson causes the fire. The property owner is responsible for the damages, and if the fire was not reported to the police or fire department, the insurance company might not cover the damages.
2 – If the Damage Was a Result of an Act of War
The government might not cover damages if an action by a foreign government or terrorist group caused the fire.
3 – If the Fire Was Caused By a Homeowner’s Own Negligence
This includes damages caused by cooking, electrical malfunctions, candle mishaps, and unattended or unsupervised fires. The property owner is responsible for the damages caused by their negligence.
4 – If There Was Illegal Activity Or Criminal Activity
Many homeowners insurance policies would contain an exclusion clause if the fire was caused by illegal activity or criminal activity. If the fire was caused by a party, the insurance company might not cover the damage.
Conclusion
Home fires are fairly common, and it’s critical that you have adequate insurance coverage in the event of a fire. Consider the items you would miss most if they were destroyed in a fire. It may be the irreplaceable items that are most important to you. Also, if you do not have homeowners insurance yet, it is a good decision to talk to an insurance specialist.
If you are looking for homeowners’ insurance, come to 5250 Insurance. We offer auto insurance, home insurance, motorcycle insurance, umbrella insurance, flood insurance, and other types of insurance.
